Artificial intelligence is entering the residential space, specifically architecture.
ICON, which developed considered one of the primary fully 3D-printed housing developments within the U.S., is taking automation one step further. It recently unveiled an AI-powered program called Vitruvius that helps consumers design custom homes online and procure plans, making the method cheaper and faster.
“Vitruvius’ grand vision is to move from human desires to deliverables such as construction documents, budgets, schedules and even robot instructions,” said Jason Ballard, CEO of ICON.
According to Ballard, Vitruvius remembers every design and each possibility he has ever seen. He has been trained in constructing codes, construction methods and structural engineering, so he understands what is feasible.
“It’s way beyond human capabilities,” Ballard added.
The user starts by entering a general idea of the kind of house they would really like to construct. Vitruvius then asks questions on all the pieces, where the home will probably be situated, how big it is going to be, what kind of architecture it is going to be, what amenities it should contain and in what style. It then learns from the answers, using knowledge from previous projects, and offers designs for 3 potential homes.
The program can even show what the home would appear to be if it were 3D printed or within the type of a famous architect, living or dead. Although other AI models have come under the highlight for potential copyright infringement, Ballard said he was not concerned concerning the matter.
“It’s not actually stealing anyone’s work. It’s just sort of getting inspired in the identical way that human artists get inspired,” he said. “I have no doubt that tools like this will change the way we do things.”
Vitruvius debuted at the South by Southwest festival in Austin, Texas, where real estate agents and architects alike tried it out.
“I feel [AI is] will probably be more of a tool. There are professions that can change. Of course, architecture won’t ever be the identical again,” said Leonardo Guzman, architect and constructor, about this technology.
Real estate agent Gina McAndrews also tried the technology and said she was impressed with the technology, but expected it for use more in collaboration with architects slightly than replacing them.
“It’s definitely going to save you a lot of money, but at the same time you still need people to interact with to make a difference, but yeah, definitely just to get ideas inspired because I’m limited in what I’ve seen, and that is stunning,” McAndrews said.
Ballard said the implications of artificial intelligence in architecture transcend just consumers looking to save lots of on architecture fees. He sees it as a breakthrough in reasonably priced housing, which regularly cuts corners to maintain costs down.
“In the case of affordable housing projects, we abandon architecture altogether. “Even affordable housing projects deserve beauty and dignity, and we believe this tool makes that possible because over time, the cost of using this tool should come closer to the cost of energy to power the system,” Ballard said.
